News

Scholarships programme celebrates ten years of success

28 November 2011

University of Westminster welcomed the new patron of the scholarships programme, Her Highness the Maharani of Gwalior, at the international scholarships reception.

Westminster has the most generous scholarship fund of any UK university, providing financial support to assist the most promising students to achieve their ambitions.

In recognition of the University's educational links in India and in celebration of the tenth anniversary of its successful scholarships programme, the Maharani of Gwalior, Her Highness Priyadarshini Raje Scindia, was appointed as its patron.

She said: "[I was] amazed to see so many students from so many countries here on the University of Westminster's scholarships scheme and to hear of the level of competition you have gone through to gain your award.

"You have a responsibility to those who failed in the competition to ensure that you make the most of this wonderful opportunity and to justify your selection.

"Education is now global and to succeed students need to be aware of that, and to take advantage of any and all opportunities to study in and experience other countries and cultures."

The University has students from more than 150 countries. In August this diversity was supported through the award of 108 international scholarships.

An increasing number of scholarships are offered in partnership with businesses, charitable organisations and individuals keen to support educational opportunities at Westminster.

This year, the University will welcome students supported by the following 18 new scholarships:

Cosmur Architecture Scholarship: one full scholarship for an Architecture BA student

Make My Day Better Scholarships: two full research scholarships for PhD students in Herbal Medicine

Mathur Family Scholarship: one international scholarship for an MA student from India

Open Society Foundation Scholarships: two international scholarships for Diversity and the Media MA students

Professor Moorad Choudhry Scholarships: two fee scholarships for Business Studies BA students

Santander Scholarships: six international and four UK/EU fees scholarships

Colin Matheson, director of scholarships, added: "At a time of uncertainty for all, financial limits may prevent many promising students from pursuing their education.

"Now, more than ever, maintaining our ability to change lives through access to higher education will depend on philanthropic support for scholarships."

More than 750 students at Westminster already benefit from the scholarships scheme but more than 4,000 applications are turned down every year.

To address this, the University is committed to raising funds for an additional 100 scholarships annually and it will be actively seeking to extend its network of friends and supporters for the future.

About the University of Westminster:

The University of Westminster boasts a vibrant learning environment attracting more than 20,000 students from over 150 nations and we continue to invest in our future with new developments, research projects and new ideas.

We offer highly attractive practice-based courses that are independently rated as excellent, many with international recognition. Our distinguished 175-year history has meant we lead the way in many areas of research, particularly politics, media, art and design, architecture and biomedical sciences, and our position in the city of London allows us to continue to build on our close connections with leading figures and organisations in these areas as well as in the worlds of business, information technology, politics and law.

Our commitment to educating graduates for the needs of professional life attracts high quality students from within the UK and around the globe.

Internationalisation, employability and sustainability are key elements in the University of Westminster’s vision for the future and we strive to ensure the very highest standards are met and maintained.